Book Cover Design – City of Stolen Magic
Shortlisted Entry | Penguin Cover Design Award 2024 – Children’s Fiction Category
Shortlisted Entry | Penguin Cover Design Award 2024 – Children’s Fiction Category
This book cover was designed as a submission for the 2024 Penguin Cover Design Award (Children’s Fiction category), where it was selected as one of the top ten shortlisted entries for final judging in June 2024.
City of Stolen Magic is a captivating historical fantasy novel aimed at readers aged 9–12. My design approach focused on capturing the dynamic relationship between the main protagonist and antagonist, while visually reflecting the story’s fast-paced and dramatic tone.
A key design element was the use of contrasting colours—fire tones and indigo—both of which play an important role in the narrative. This contrast also serves to symbolise the cultural and geographical divide between the two characters and their respective home cities.
The cover incorporates meaningful story elements, including a taviz (protective amulet), iconic architecture from Dacca and London, a horse-drawn carriage, and a boat featuring a date palm as its mast. These details help ground the fantastical elements of the story in a vivid, culturally rich visual world.
A concept board was designed as part of the entry as a shortlisted finalist within the competition detailing the different stages of design from researching to the final rendering.
All shortlisted entries for each competition category displayed in exhibition at Penguin Randomhouse Studios Office London. (Second from Left, Second from Top)
Thank you for viewing
and to penguin randomhouse for the opportunity to tour the studios and exhibition
